A lion, a lamb or a penguin?

February has the groundhog and his shadow, while March is usually a tossup between the lion or the lamb. This year has been a roller coaster ride, weatherwise: from one of the mildest early winters on record to weeks of frigid cold and ice that would make penguins feel right at home. Hopefully March will warm up enough so we can get a head start on spring garden chores.

Pick, cut, rake:

March is a good time to clean up any debris that has accumulated in your yard and garden over the winter, such as broken branches and dead leaves. Cut back ornamental grasses and perennials that held their form over the winter months, before the new growth starts to emerge. Rake your lawn to remove any accumulated leaves and to loosen thatch.

Prune:

Prune plants as needed, except those that will bloom in spring. To avoid the need for pruning to control the size of a tree or shrub, be sure to select cultivars that will stay within the available space. Prune to remove crowded, crossed or broken branches, or to rejuvenate the plant.

Don’t rush mulch removal:

Remove mulch and other forms of winter protection to allow for new growth, but don’t rush this task, since winter may not yet be finished with us. Use a sharp spade to cut a fresh edge to beds, and apply a fresh layer of mulch – no more than 3 inches deep – to conserve moisture, to keep soil temperatures level, to control emerging weeds and, last but not least, to give your landscape a well-maintained appearance.

Protect trees:

Once the weather seems likely to stay above freezing, apply dormant oil to trees requiring protection from scale insects. Contact a professional arborist for advice regarding any serious pests or diseases affecting your trees, or if your trees have sustained damage over the winter.

Check drainage:

March often brings rain, often enough to cause drainage problems. Watch your lawn and garden to identify places where water pools so that corrective measures can be taken to improve drainage.

Get guidance:

The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association has members who can give advice on any aspect of your landscape, from selecting, installing and caring for plants, to creating and implementing landscape designs and maintaining your lawn and garden. Check www.ilca.net “consumer information” to find a member in your area. March is a good time to schedule this type of work – once the season is in full swing, there can be a waiting list. Be sure to choose a landscape contractor who is professional, knowledgeable, experienced and insured. Ask for references and check them out with a phone call or, better yet, a personal visit.

Spring planting

Involve the children:

If you haven’t started seeds indoors yet, it’s not too late. Try planting some easy annuals, herbs or vegetables – this is a great way to get children interested in gardening, just make sure they don’t eat any of the seeds! If you have had trouble finding a rare plant or heirloom vegetable in local nurseries or garden centers, you may be able to find a source for the seeds online.

Select the right plant:Œ

Once the ground thaws and the soil is dry enough to crumble instead of forming a wet mudball, new trees and shrubs can be planted. Check with your landscape contractor or arborist for help in selecting the right plant for the right place, and at the right time – some plants are better transplanted in fall than in spring. Trees are a big investment that only grow in value over their hopefully long life span, and it is worth the time and effort to choose carefully.

Try something different:

You may know you want a crabapple for the incredible spring bloom, but why not pick a cultivar that also offers clean, disease-resistant foliage, attractive fall color and colorful, persistent fruits? If it’s a shade tree you want, choose one that will survive Midwestern weather extremes without leaving branches all over your yard, and while you’re at it, select a tree that will provide interest throughout the seasons, too.

Try a “Heritage” river birch that looks great all year and has bark that stands out in winter. Or an “Ivory Silk” Japanese tree lilac, that blooms after the crabapples have finished their show. Bring some fragrance into your yard with Koreanspice viburnums, or try an oakleaf hydrangea for wonderful foliage, bark and flowers.

Beautiful bones:

The most memorable gardens and landscapes include hardscapes and architectural features that form the “bones” of the design, constant throughout the seasons. March is a great time to begin work on this type of project. Choose materials that work well with the period and style of your home, highlighting architectural features and using recurring motifs to add impact. Make sure your design works well with your lifestyle, whether you add a deck, paver path, retaining wall, gazebo, arbor, trellis, pergola or simple garden archway. Before installing hardscapes, check to see if your municipality requires any special permits or restricts the size or location of outdoor structures.

• ILCA offers free color brochures, “Your Landscape Begins With A Dream,” for planning, budgeting and creating outdoor spaces and “Garden Centers Are ‘Natural’ Resources,” with guidance in garden center selection. Included is a list of member landscape contractors and garden centers. Call Monday through Friday (630) 472-2851, or write ILCA, 2625 Butterfield Road, Suite 204W, Oak Brook, IL 60523 or e-mail information@ilca.net. The Web site is www.ilca.net.

source : www.dailyherald.com